The 911 Center provides dispatch and E911 services for all of Greene County. They work using five full dispatch consoles from Motorola. The Communications Officers monitor ¬five radio channels with capabilities to monitor 20 more if necessary. They are responsible for five E911 phone lines and five other emergency and non-emergency phone lines. In 2013, the 911 Center handled 62,666 calls compared to 37,580 in 2004.

Greene County’s 9-1-1 Center is also one of the few standalone, full-entry agencies in the state. In other words, the Greene County 911 Center handles dispatch services for the entire County, including the Sheriff’s Office, two police departments, nine fire departments, Emergency Medical Services, the Emergency Management Agency and many rescue units, as well as service agreements with surrounding counties.

What Happens When I Call 911?As a caller you should expect to answer the following basic questions:Where is the situation happening – address, building, intersection, etc.What is happening – car crash, house fire, injured subjectWho is involved – including how many & descriptions, calling party involvementWhen did it happen – something old or a situation in progress

The call-taker may repeat back certain information including the address or phone number. It is important for you, the caller, to remain as calm as possible and allow the 911 operator to direct the conversation. This will ensure the quickest and most appropriate response.

What if I don't know where I am?Under normal circumstances, a Greene County 911 operator can pinpoint your location. However, that’s not always the case. If you do not know an address near you, look for landmarks, signs and buildings. Even the name of the closest business can be used to help determine your exact location.

When should I use 911?

When you have a police, fire or medical emergency

There is a situation that could, or does, pose a danger to life, property or both

There is suspicious activity involving a person(s) or vehicle that appears to have criminal intent

Any situation that requires immediate dispatch of an officer such as a motor vehicle accident, auto theft, domestic violence, and all crimes in progress

Whenever life or property is endangered. However, please call your power company if your power goes out.

Remain calm and patient while the 9-1-1 call-taker asks you questions. 9-1-1 call-takers are trained to ask specific questions that quickly determines what is wrong, and what type of assistance to send. Please stay on the line until the call-taker tells you to hang up.

What should I do if I (or my child) calls 911 by mistake?Don't hang up! Have an adult explain to the 911 operator what happened. If the line has already been disconnected, make sure to answer the phone when it rings. It is most likely the 911 operator calling you back.

What is Emergency Mode?Once you have dialed 911 on your cell phone, it may place itself in “emergency mode.” This should prevent any incoming calls or texts other than a return call from dispatch, in case of a dropped call. Contact your service provider for more information about how this feature works on your phone.

Teaching KidsIt is important to teach kids the proper use of 911. It could be your life they save. Give them scenarios and quiz them on their address and other information so they will be comfortable telling the 911 operator. Consider unplugging the phone and have them actually press the numbers. Cell phones are all different, but many have a feature to bypass the keypad lock for emergency calls. Make sure kids know specifically what buttons to press to complete a call. Make it a habit, like changing the batteries in your smoke detectors. Stress the importance of only calling when it is a true emergency (fire vs argument with little brother) and what to do if they call accidentally.

9-1-1 calls during an area-wide emergency:During an area-wide disaster or emergency that affects an entire region or area, such as flooding, a hurricane or severe storm, it is vitally important that you do not overload the 9-1-1 system for non-essential calls. Calling when you are personally not facing a life-threatening or dangerous situation can tie up the 9-1-1 trunk lines. If this happens, people with true emergencies may not be able to get through.

You can be part of the solution by:

Only calling 9-1-1 when you are facing a life-threatening or dangerous situation

Calling only if you need immediate emergency assistance from police, fire, or medical personnel

Turning on your television or radio to learn about emergency instructions and information. This is a good way to get quick answers to your questions about damage, injuries and possible hazards.

Being prepared! Make sure you have a family disaster plan so everyone knows what to do during and after emergencies. Everyone in your family should have their own disaster supply kit (be sure to include a portable radio with extra batteries). For more information, go to ready.ga.gov